Unbiased Perspective Quotes
The “man on the Clapham omnibus” signifies the ordinary person. Clapham is rides on the bus route in South London.
The Pope appealed as a neutral force. In reality however, the Vatican had much at stake if war broke out. There were many German Catholics, some of whom might have been victimized by the Nazis and others who were Nazis. The independence of the Vatican itself was at stake as Italy had gone fascist. The war put the Pope in a very difficult political position which some argued colored his moral judgment and public statements. Most documents of the time are sealed by the Vatican.
At the time, this was a very political speech. Racism was rife in Germany and was being introduced into Italy by the Fascist government. Xenophobia was prevalent throughout Europe as WWI hatreds had been inflamed by the politicians. Bohr’s speech was considered a major attack on Fascism.
